On-board tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are devices allowing to continuously monitor the value of the pressure or, depending on the model used, just to sense any pressure drops in the tyres while the vehicle is on the road and then to inform or warn the driver about it. By preventing driving with underinflated tyres or by helping to keep the correct pressure level of the tyres in the case of the most advanced systems, TPMS is not only preventing dangerous situations or lowering the risk of the tyre rupture, but also shortening braking distances and reducing both fuel consumption and tyre premature wear.
Research delivered by the TNO centre in the Netherlands shows that the TPMS use in passenger vehicles can contribute to fuel savings of about 2.5%. Today TPMS is mandatory in the United States but not in Europe where mostly vehicles equipped with run flat tyres must have one.
But on November 2014 new regulations on safety requirements will be introduced. It will apply to all new vehicles produced after November 2014 for the EU markets and it will include the European Commission Regulation (EU) No 130/2012, dated February the 15th, 2012.[1] This single act will replace more than 50 previously existing EU directives. Among requirements introduced or confirmed for the registration of new cars within EU there will be systems reminding about buckling-up the seat belt, child safety seats and tyre pressure monitoring systems.
A survey conducted for PTIA showed that 39% of drivers do check tyre pressure once in a while when refueling, only 9% before a long journey, and as many as 5%, never. And this is despite the fact, that over 80% of drivers ensure that they are aware about the consequences of low tyre pressure, including worse control of the vehicle, faster tyre wear, increased fuel consumption and serious tyres damage, which can lead to an accident. It also turns out that one in ten drivers do not have this knowledge. Therefore, the introduction of the EU obligation to install sensors that monitor tyre pressure will improve the current situation, allow the drivers to be more aware about proper pressure and help with tyre maintenance in general.
- These changes are going to impact all tyre servicing businesses, because they should get trained about all different TPMS systems installed in cars and make sure to know how to service tyres equipped with TPMS. They must also be able to insure proper maintenance or replacement of the TPMS sensor if required and for most safety oriented drivers It will also be needed to install additional such systems on the second set of wheels equipped with winter tyres - explained Armand DAHI, President of PTIA.
But above all, they must have the right hardware, which will help to change the tyres. According to technical specialists:
- Tyres equipped with pressure sensors may require tighter procedures from tyre fitters. For example, when dismounting a tyre equipped with certain TPMS, the alignment tool is required to be placed at 90 degree angle to the valve, and the tyre removal from the rim should be started from the fans to keep it safe.
-Tyre services should also follow the recommendations of the tyres manufacturers and change valve and gaskets each time they change tyres. Some TPMS may require special type of valves.
- After any tyre change the servicing technician must also reset the sensors on all wheels of the vehicle to allow the TPMS to work properly.
- This is why PTIA recommends using professional well qualified or certified tyre services when having car equipped with pressure sensors. This is even more important when driving on run-fat tyres which also require specific mounting equipments – adds Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of PTIA.
Sources:
Research of Millward Brown for PTIA, IX/X 2013, N = 1000 persons
http://ec.europa.eu/polska/news/121031_cars_pl.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/automotive/safety/new_package.htm
[1] European Commission Regulation on the technical requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to vehicle access and maneuverability and on the implementation of the Regulation of the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on the technical requirements for the type approval of motor vehicles for the general safety, their trailers and their systems, components and separate technical units
Source: www.ptia.org.pl